What is retinal vessel occlusion?

There are two types of retinal blood vessels, arteries and veins. Either of these can become blocked and each of them can affect the eye in different ways. The visual loss caused by retinal vein and artery occlusions is painless and in some cases quite sudden. It is usual for only one eye to be involved at a time, but occasionally both eyes may be affected at the same time.

Most commonly, Retinal artery occlusions (RAO) are caused by atherosclerosis or an embolus. Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up on the inside walls of arteries. As these plaques grow, they can cut off some, and potentially all of the blood flowing through the artery. Plaques can also cause blood clots to form which have the potential to also cause an occlusion.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is commonly caused by a blood clot (thrombosis) forming in the vein, which causes the vein to become blocked. It’s not always known exactly why the blood clot has formed but there are certain risk factors which affect the normal blood flow, and these can increase the risk of a blood clot forming.

When a vessel occlusion is suspected or discovered, usually by your GP or optometrist (optician); you will be referred to see an ophthalmologist (hospital eye doctor). Treatment may not be needed; but if it is, early treatment can improve the outcome. There can be complications following a vessel occlusion, so you will usually be monitored at the hospital after diagnosis. While it's possible to be unaware that you've had a vessel occlusion, it usually changes your vision in some way, though this may improve with time.

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